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Daniel Bukac, a Czech-born defenseman, was drafted 204th overall by the Bruins in 2017. He notched 17 points in 72 games for the Brandon Wheat Kings of the Western Hockey League that year.
Unfortunately for the right-handed defenseman, this past year has been rough. Bukac only played 39 regular season games last season due to injury. In those games, Bukac recorded 8 points, all of which were assists. He played in 11 playoff games for the Wheat Kings, notching a goal and an assist there.
In June, just prior to the CHL Import Draft, the Wheat Kings released Bukac. The Niagara Ice Dogs of the Ontario Hockey League picked him up in the process. Bukac should slot in somewhere in the bottom four to start the season, and will have to prove himself from there.
On top of that, Bukac will have to prove his worth to the Bruins this season as his reserve rights expire June 1, 2019. The nineteen-year-old defenseman could end up re-entering the NHL draft in 2019 if the Bruins choose not to sign him.
Time will tell, but this is surely an important year for Bukac if he wants to make it to pro hockey with the Bruins.